Mitsubishi Corp. Launches Coral Reef Conservation Project

In August, 2005, Mitsubishi Corp, a major Japanese trading company, launched The Global Marine Research Project in Japan, the Americas and Europe/Africa. The 6-year project aims to make a social contribution and protect the environment by working to maintain the health of coral reefs and develop and introduce technology for coral reef restoration.

The project, which has an annual budget of 30 million yen (about US $272,700), was launched as a way of commemorating the 50th anniversary of the re-establishment of the company. Research to be carried out in Japan will be a joint study with Shizuoka University and led by Professor Yoshimi Suzuki at that university. Professor Suzuki is a leading expert on coral reefs. Field research will be carried out at Sesoko Station at the Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa. Through scientific studies, the project seeks to develop technologies that can prevent and reverse coral bleaching, said to be the most serious cause of coral reef decline.

In cooperation with Earthwatch Japan, a registered non-profit organization, not only research but also other programs to promote the public understanding of environmental issues will be included in the project. Earthwatch Japan will recruit volunteers from the public (non-employees of Mitsubishi Corp.) to help with the project.

The company plans to report its results at academic conferences and seminars as well as in magazines on a regular basis and to introduce them to countries all over the world.



Posted: 2005/10/02 10:12:44 AM
Japanese version